Clamp for repair of pipe couplings

ABSTRACT

A clamp for repair of a pipe coupling, includes a clamp unit including a side wall with an inner surface, the inner surface having a curvature dimensioned to match an outer curvature of a pipe coupling to be repaired. A coupling on the clamp unit is constructed and arranged to couple a first portion of the clamp unit with a second portion of the clamp unit. The coupling, when secured, operates to induce a radially inward force on the inner surface of the clamp unit. A window is formed as an opening in the side wall of the clamp unit. The window is dimensioned to expose a flange of a pipe coupling to be repaired.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/023,379 filed on Jul. 11, 2014, the content of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present inventive concepts generally relate to a clamp and methodfor repairing a pipe coupling.

BACKGROUND

Pipes for fluid systems have remained largely the same for many years.Such systems can include chill water systems, hot water systems,condenser water systems, sprinkler systems, fluid chemical systems, andrelated systems having one or more pipes configured to receive anddeliver fluid under pressure. In such systems, steel pipes or relatedfittings, join end-to-end at a grooved coupling. Such couplings 100, anexample shown in FIG. 1, commonly include first and second housings104A, 104B and a gasket 105. The housings 104A, 104B can each includefirst and second housing flanges 107A, 107B that align with each other.Bolts 106 are placed through openings in the flanges 107A, 107E and nuts108 secure the bolts 106 after pipe ends are properly positioned atopposite ends of the gasket 105. In doing so, the resulting force causesthe gasket 105 to conformably abut the pipe about which the coupling 100is positioned.

Over time, following installation, the integrity of the bolts 106 ornuts 108 can become compromised due to rust, for example, which mayoccur when the gasket 105 deteriorates or when leaks occur. This isespecially true in cases where the fluids are moving, or where atemperature differential exists, which, in certain environmentalconditions, can cause condensation to form. Over time, the rusted bolts106 and/or nuts 108 must be replaced. Such replacement can beinefficient, since it requires a de-pressurization of the water system.With de-pressurization of a water-based fire sprinkler system, forexample, the associated building must remain vacant, due to fire safetyconcerns. This is a major inconvenience for building owners and tenantsalike.

SUMMARY

In some aspects of the present inventive concepts, systems and methodsare provided to achieve bolt and/or nut replacement of the couplingswhile the water system, or other fluid system, is pressurized or “live”,so that water may flow through the pipes at near or normal pressuresduring the bolt and/or nut replacement. A clamp is provided thatprovides a secondary mechanism for maintaining the position of the firstand second housings of a pipe coupling during replacement of thecoupling bolts/nuts. The repair process can be performed without theinconvenience of de-pressurization of the system, leading to inherentefficiencies.

In one aspect, provided is a clamp for repairing a pipe coupling betweenpipe sections comprises a first clamp unit and a second clamp. The firstend of the first clamp comprises a first flange hole extending through afirst flange. A second end of the first clamp comprises a second flangehole extending through a second flange. A first body portion extendsbetween the first end and the second end. A first window in the firstbody portion exposes a first flange of the pipe coupling. The secondclamp unit is removably coupled to the first clamp unit, and comprises afirst end and a second end. The first end of the second clamp unitcomprises a third flange hole extending through a third flange. Thesecond end of the second clamp unit comprises a fourth flange holeextending through a fourth flange. A second body portion extends betweenthe first end and the second end. A second window in the second bodyportion exposes a second flange of the pipe coupling. A coupling extendsthrough at least one of the aligned first and third flange holes or thealigned second and fourth flange holes.

In some embodiments, the coupling includes a bolt that extends throughthe at least one of the aligned first and third flange holes or thealigned second and fourth flange holes and a threaded nut incommunication with the bolt.

In some embodiments, a force created by the threaded nut about the boltcauses the first ends of the first and second clamp units, respectively,to move axially toward each other, which in turn causes the first andsecond clamp units to tighten around the pipe coupling.

In some embodiments, the body portion of each of the first and secondclamp units has an arc shape so that a combination of the first andsecond clamp units coupled to each other is ring shaped.

In some embodiments, the first and second clamp units apply a forcedirectly on the pipe coupling that counteracts a force caused by fluidpressure at the pipe sections.

In some embodiments, the first and second clamp unit flanges at thefirst ends of the first and second clamp units are coupled together at afirst position of the clamp, the first and second clamp unit flanges atthe second ends of the first and second clamp units are coupled togetherat a second position of the clamp opposite the first position, and thefirst window of the first clamp unit is at a third position between thefirst and second positions, and the second window of the second clampunit is at a fourth position opposite the third position, and betweenthe first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the flanges are oriented normal to a curvature ofthe first and second clamp units, respectively, so as to face eachother.

In some embodiments, fluid in the underlying pipe is under pressure.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first or second clamp unitsincludes an indentation about at least one of the first or secondwindow.

In another aspect, provided is a clamp for repairing a pipe couplingbetween a first pipe section and a second pipe section through whichfluid flows during the repair. The clamp comprises a first plate forpositioning on one side of the pipe coupling and the first and secondpipe sections; a second plate separate from the first plate and forpositioning on an opposite side of the pipe coupling and the first andsecond pipe sections as the first plate and the first and second pipesections, respectively; a first coupler holder extending from the firstplate in a direction toward the second plate and abutting each of thefirst and second pipe sections; a second coupler holder extending from asurface of the second plate in a direction toward the first plate, andabutting each of the first and second pipe sections; and at least fourbolts extending between the first and second plates in a direction ofextension that is perpendicular to the direction of the extension of thefirst and second pipe sections.

In some embodiments, the first and second coupler holders are eachconstructed and arranged for conforming with a surface of the first andsecond pipe sections.

In some embodiments, a bolt of the at least four bolts extends throughholes in the first plate and holes in the second plate aligned with theholes in the first plate, and the clamp further includes a threaded nutfor each bolt, wherein bolts and nuts provide a force that moves thefirst and second plates toward each other and toward the pipe couplingso that the first plate directly abuts, and applies a force to, thefirst side of the pipe coupling and so that the second plate directlyabuts, and applies a force to, the second of the pipe coupling.

In some embodiments, a force created by the threaded nut about the boltcauses the first and second plates to tighten around the pipe couplingand for the first and second coupler holders to tighten about the firstand second pipe sections.

In some embodiments, the first and second plates apply a force directlyon the pipe coupling that counteracts a force caused by fluid pressureat the first and second pipe sections.

In another aspect, provided is a method for repairing a pipe couplingbetween a first pipe section and a second pipe section, comprisingpositioning a first clamp unit on one side of the pipe coupling. Thefirst clamp unit comprises a first end and a second end. The first endcomprises a first flange and a first flange hole extending through thefirst flange. The second end comprises a second flange and a secondflange hole extending through the second flange. The first clamp unitfurther comprises a first body portion extending between the first endand the second end and a first window in the first body portion forexposing a first flange of the pipe coupling. The method furthercomprises positioning a second clamp unit on an opposite side of thepipe coupling. The second clamp unit comprises a first end and a secondend. The first end comprises a third flange and a third flange holeextending through the third flange The second end comprises a fourthflange and a fourth flange hole extending through the fourth flange, andaligned with the second flange hole of the first clamp unit. The secondclamp unit further comprises a second body portion extending between thefirst end and the second end and a second window in the second bodyportion for exposing a second flange of the pipe coupling. The methodfurther comprises aligning the first flange hole of the first clamp unitand the third flange hole of the second clamp unit; aligning the secondflange hole of the first clamp unit and the fourth flange hole of thesecond clamp unit; and extending a coupling through at least one of thealigned first and third flange holes or the aligned second and fourthflange holes such that the first and second clamp units tighten aroundthe pipe coupling.

In some embodiments, the coupling includes a bolt that extends throughthe at least one of the aligned first and third flange holes or thealigned second and fourth flange holes and a threaded nut incommunication with the bolt.

In some embodiments, the first and second clamp units apply a forcedirectly on the pipe coupling that counteracts a force caused by fluidpressure at the pipe sections.

In some embodiments, the first and second clamp unit flanges at thefirst ends of the first and second clamp units are coupled together at afirst position of the clamp, the first and second clamp unit flanges atthe second ends of the first and second clamp units are coupled togetherat a second position of the clamp opposite the first position, and thefirst window of the first clamp unit is at a third position between thefirst and second positions, and the second window of the second clampunit is at a fourth position opposite the third position, and betweenthe first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the flanges are oriented normal to a curvature ofthe first and second clamp units, respectively, so as to face eachother.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first or second clamp unitsincludes an indentation about at least one of the first or secondwindow. In another aspect, a clamp for repair of a pipe coupling,comprises: a clamp unit including a side wall with an inner surface, theinner surface having a curvature dimensioned to match an outer curvatureof a pipe coupling to be repaired; a coupling on the clamp unitconstructed and arranged to couple a first portion of the clamp unitwith a second portion of the clamp unit wherein the coupling, whensecured, operates to induce a radially inward force on the inner surfaceof the clamp unit; and a window comprising an opening in the side wallof the clamp unit, the window dimensioned to expose a flange of a pipecoupling to be repaired.

In some embodiments, portions of the inner surface of the side wall aresubstantially cylindrical.

In some embodiments, the coupling comprises at least one flangeoutwardly extending from the cylindrical sidewall in a direction normalto the inner surface.

In some embodiments, the at least one flange comprises an openingconstructed and arranged to receive a bolt and wherein the couplingcomprises a mating nut and bolt.

In some embodiments, the bolt, when coupling the clamp unit ispositioned in a direction tangential to the cylindrical sidewall andperpendicular to, and offset from, a center axis of the cylindricalsidewall.

In some embodiments, the at least one flange comprises first and secondopposed flanges and wherein the clamp unit comprises first and secondsidewall portions.

In some embodiments, a radius of curvature of the portions of the innersurface of the sidewall are a same as that of the inner surface of thewindow.

In some embodiments, a radius of curvature of the portions of the innersurface of the sidewall are different that of the inner surface of thewindow.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the sidewall in a region ofthe window is flat.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the sidewall in a region ofthe window is indented.

In some embodiments, the radially inward force induced by the couplingis sufficient to secure a pipe coupling to be repaired during itsrepair.

In another aspect, a method for repair of a pipe coupling, comprises:mounting a clamp unit about a pipe coupling for repair attached to asystem that is pressurized, the clamp unit including a side wall with aninner surface, the inner surface having a curvature dimensioned to matchan outer curvature of the pipe coupling to be repaired; coupling theclamp unit so that when secured, the clamp unit operates to induce aradially inward force on the inner surface of the pipe coupling to berepaired; the clamp unit including a window comprising an opening in theside wall of the clamp unit, the window dimensioned to expose a flangeof a pipe coupling to be repaired; repairing the pipe coupling to berepaired while the system is pressurized; and uncoupling and removingthe clamp unit from the pipe coupling while the system is pressurized.

In some embodiments, coupling the clamp unit comprises coupling theclamp unit to couple a first portion of the clamp unit with a secondportion of the clamp unit.

In some embodiments, repairing the pipe coupling to be repairedcomprises cutting and replacing a bolt passing through the flange of thepipe coupling to be repaired exposed by the window while the system ispressurized.

In some embodiments, portions of the inner surface of the side wall aresubstantially cylindrical.

In some embodiments, the coupling comprises at least one flangeoutwardly extending from the cylindrical sidewall in a direction normalto the inner surface.

In some embodiments, the at least one flange comprises an openingconstructed and arranged to receive a bolt and wherein the couplingcomprises a mating nut and bolt.

In some embodiments, the bolt, when coupling the clamp unit ispositioned in a direction tangential to the cylindrical sidewall andperpendicular to, and offset from, a center axis of the cylindricalsidewall.

In some embodiments, the at least one flange comprises first and secondopposed flanges and wherein the clamp unit comprises first and secondsidewall portions.

In some embodiments, the radially inward force induced by the couplingis sufficient to secure the pipe coupling to be repaired during itsrepair while the system is pressurized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of embodimentsof the present inventive concepts will be apparent from the moreparticular description of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to thesame elements throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional pipe coupling;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clamp, in accordance with anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled clamp of FIG. 2 secured toa pipe coupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinventive concepts;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a clamp, in accordance with anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembled clamp of FIG. 4 secured toa pipe coupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinventive concepts;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of a system for repairing aplurality of pipe couplings, in accordance with the present inventiveconcepts.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are closeup perspective views of a clamp secured to a pipecoupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventiveconcepts.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clamp inaccordance with the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clamp inaccordance with the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method of repairing a pipe coupling, inaccordance with the present inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the inventiveconcepts. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when usedherein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc.may be used herein to describe various limitations, elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these limitations,elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish onelimitation, element, component, region, layer or section from anotherlimitation, element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a firstlimitation, element, component, region, layer or section discussed belowcould be termed a second limitation, element, component, region, layeror section without departing from the teachings of the presentapplication.

It will be further understood that when an element is referred to asbeing “on” or “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can bedirectly on or above, or connected or coupled to, the other element orintervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected” or “directlycoupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). When an elementis referred to herein as being “over” another element, it can be over orunder the other element, and either directly coupled to the otherelement, or intervening elements may be present, or the elements may bespaced apart by a void, space, or gap.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clamp 50 for repairing a pipe couplingin accordance with an embodiment of the present inventive concepts. Theclamp 50 includes a first clamp unit 10A and a second clamp unit 10B.The first and second clamp units 10A, 10B are constructed and arrangedto directly couple with each other for positioning about the pipecoupling, for example, pipe coupling 100 shown in FIG. 1, which in turnis secured to a pipe 14 or the like as shown in FIG. 3. In particular,each of the first and second clamp units 10A, 10B has an arc or curveshape, e.g., a semicircle shaped interior, for securing about a pipecoupling 100. In some embodiments, the interiors, or inner surface S, ofthe first and second clamp units 10A, 10B can be curved for positioningabout a pipe coupling, and the exteriors of the first and second clampunits 10A, 10B can be of a different shape, for example, linear orcurved. In some embodiments, each of the first and second clamp units10A, 10B may be formed of metal or the like having the strength,durability, and other characteristics for securing about the pipecoupling 100. In some embodiments ¼″ thick hot rolled type B67-B80 steelcan be employed for the material of the pipe coupling. In otherembodiments, thicker-gauge or thinner-gauge steel may be employed. Inother embodiments other suitable materials may be employed, for examplecarbon graphite based materials or synthetic materials.

In various embodiments, the outer diameter of the couplings 100 orrelated dimensions can vary in size, and, therefore, so can the innerdiameter (D) or related dimensions of the clamp 50. For example, theinner diameter (D) of the clamp 50 can vary in size from 1″-72″. Thewidth (W_(C)) of the clamp 50 can also vary, depending on the width ofthe coupling 100 and other factors.

In some embodiments, each clamp unit 10A, 10B includes a flange 11A at afirst end, a flange 11B at a second end, and a body portion 13 extendingbetween the flanged first end 11A and the flanged second end 11B. Thebody portion 13 is curved or otherwise contoured for positioning aboutone or both housings 104A, 104B of the pipe coupling 100. The bodyportion 13 of the first clamp unit 10A and the body portion 13 of thesecond clamp unit 10B can, when coupled together, each be positionedabout the pipe coupling 100. In some embodiments, the flanges 11A and11B are oriented, for example, normal, to the curvature of the body ofthe clamp units 10A, 10B, respectively, so as to face each other.

Each body portion 13 includes a window 17, or opening. Morespecifically, at each clamp unit 10A, 10B, a window 17 extends between aflange 11A at a first end and a flange 11B at an opposite second end.Referring to a clock as an analogy, when the clamp units 10A, 10B arecoupled to each other, the windows 17 are at 3 o-clock and 9 o-clockpositions about a periphery of each clamp unit 10A, 10B, and the flanges11A of each clamp unit 10A, 10B abut each other at the first end at a 12o-clock position, and the flanges 11B of each clamp unit 10A, 10B abuteach other at the second end at a 6 o-clock position. Therefore, whenthe first and second clamp units 10A, 10B are coupled together about thepipe coupling 100, a first set of neighboring pipe coupling flanges107A, 107B extends through a window 17 of the first clamp unit 10A(shown in FIG. 3), and a second set of neighboring pipe coupling flanges107A, 107B opposite the first set of flanges extends through a window 17of the second clamp unit 10B. The width Wo of the window 17 can vary,depending on the size of the clamp 100 to be repaired and the size ofthe flange 107 to be exposed by the window 17.

Each flange 11A, 11B of the first clamp unit 10A includes a hole 19A,19B, 19C, 19D (generally, 19) that is aligned with a like hole 19 in acorresponding flange 11A, 11B of the second clamp unit 10B. A coupling20 can extend through the aligned holes in the flanges 11A, 11B,respectively. In some embodiments, the coupling can be a bolt 20 and nut22, but the types of couplings are not limited thereto. For example, acoupling device such as a ratchet, a turnscrew, and so on can equallyapply so long as the coupling is constructed and arranged to apply aforce to the flange 11A of the first clamp unit 10A and the flange 11Aof the second clamp unit 10B through which the coupling device 20extends so that the flanges 11A and/or flanges 11B at the opposite endsof the clamp units 10A, 10B, respectively, are forced in a directiontoward each other so that the clamp 50 applies a force against theunderlying pipe coupling 100 in preparation of a repair or otheroperation. In another example, one of the aligned flange holes, e.g.,flange holes 19A and 19C in one of the flanges 11A (either clamp unit10A or 10B) is threaded. Here, a nut 22 is not required, since the bolt20 can extend through one of the aligned flange holes, e.g., 19A andmate with the threaded second flange hole, e.g., 19C. In anotherexample, a nut 22 can be welded to the flange 11A, 11B so that the nutis fixedly attached to the unit 10A, 10B. The coupling 20 can includeother related components such as washers or other coupling elementsknown to those of ordinary skill in the art. In FIG. 2, each flange 11A,11B is illustrated as including two holes 19 for receiving two bolts 20or related coupling device. However, a flange 11A, 11B may have a singlehole, or more than two holes.

As described above, each bolt 20 can be secured by a nut 22 threadedabout the bolt 20 and tightened so that the abutting clamp units 10A,10B of the clamp 50 are pressed in a direction toward each other at thefirst and second ends, causing a radially inward force F to be appliedto the outer surface of the coupling 100 to be repaired. In this manner,the first and second housings 104A, 104B of the coupling 100 are securedin place by the clamp 50. In doing so, the bolts 106 and nuts 108 of thecoupling 100 exposed by the windows 17 in the body portions 13 of thefirst and second clamp units 10A, 10B can be replaced. During thisprocedure, the clamp 50 applies a force F to the outer surface of thecoupling 100 and therefore maintains the integrity of the pressurizedsystem, that is, even in a case where a counteracting force is caused byfluid pressure at the pipe 14. In some embodiments, further tighteningof the bolts 20 of the clamp unit further increases the radially inwardforce F. System integrity is maintained by the clamp 50 and thethus-secured coupling 100 so that the need for the bolts 106 and nuts108 for the coupling 100 is temporarily alleviated. A repair can beperformed, for example, old bolts 106A and/or nuts 108A are removed fromthe coupling 100 and new bolts 106B and nuts 108B are added. Removal ofthe old nuts and bolts 106A, 108A can involve, when possible, simpleloosening of the nuts 108A, or, where necessary, physical cutting ortorch cutting of the body of the bolt 106A. The window 17 of the bodyportion 13 can be appropriately sized to allow for access for anysuitable bolt removal procedure.

Following replacement, and proper tightening, of the replacement nuts108B and bolts 106B, the clamp 50 can be removed. In some embodiments,the clamp can ideally be re-used multiple times for multiple boltreplacement procedures.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a clamp in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present inventive concepts. The clamp 30 comprisesfirst and second plates 32A, 32B that are separated by a plurality ofbolts 34 and corresponding threaded nuts 36, or related couplingdevices, or other coupling devices for applying a force that directs oneof the first and second plates 32A, 32B toward the other. The bolts 34preferably extend between the plates 32A, 32B in a direction ofextension that is perpendicular to the direction of extension of thepipe 14 about which the plates 32A, 32B and bolts 24 are positioned. Inanother example, the holes of the bottom plate 32B are threaded. Here, anut is not required, since the bolts 34 can mate with the threadedbottom plate holes. In another embodiment, the nuts 36 can be welded orotherwise attached to the plate 32A. The plates 32A, 32B are constructedand arranged to directly abut, and apply a force against the housings104A, 104B, respectively, of the pipe coupling 100 so that the bolts 106and nuts 108 of the coupling 100 can be replaced even while pressurizedfluid flows through the pipe 14. In some embodiments, the plates 32A,32B can be formed of ¼″ thick hot rolled type B67-B80 steel or othermaterial suitable for sustaining the applied forces.

The first and second plates 32A, 32B can have a same or similarconfiguration so that each is constructed and arranged for positioningabout the pipe coupling 100, which in turn is secured to a pipe 14 orthe like as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the first and secondplates 32A, 32B each includes a clamp aligner 35 contoured that complywith an outer surface of the pipe 14 while the plates 32A, 32B apply aforce directly to the coupling housings 104A, 104B, respectively, foraligning the clamp 100 with the pipe 14. The clamp aligner 35 alsoprovides support to a coupling holder 37, which as shown in FIGS. 5-7,is constructed and arranged for positioning about, and applying a forceagainst, the pipe coupling 100.

The clamp aligners 35 and/or coupling holders 37 can be formed of sameor similar materials as the plates 32A, 32B. Alternatively, the clampaligners 35 and/or coupling holders 37 can be formed of differentmaterials. Four clamp aligners 35 35 can extend from the plates 32A,32B: two clamp aligners 35 35 extending from the top plate 32A, each oneither side of the first housing 104A, and two clamp aligners 35 35extending from the bottom plate 32B, each on either side of the secondhousing 104B. Similarly, four clamp coupling holders 37 can extend fromthe plates 32A, 32B: two coupling holders 37 extending from the topplate 32A, each on either side of the first housing 104A, and twocoupling holders 37 extending from the bottom plate 32B, each on eitherside of the second housing 104B. A coupling holder 37 is preferablyperpendicular or normal to the clamp aligners 35 in order for the clampaligners 35 to be positioned on the pipe and the coupling holders 37 tobe positioned on the pipe coupling 100.

Operation of the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 4and 5 is largely similar to that of the previous embodiment. Each nut 36when threaded on a corresponding bolt 34 rotates about the helix of thebolt 34, thereby moving in a linear direction along the length of thebolt. In doing so, the first and/or second plates 32A, 32B move towardeach other, with the pipe 14 and surrounding pipe coupling 100 betweenthe plates 32A, 32B, resulting in the clamp aligners 35 positioned onthe pipe 14 and coupling holders 37 positioned on the pipe couplinghousings 104A, 104B, respectively.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of a system for repairing aplurality of pipe couplings, in accordance with the present inventiveconcepts. In particular, a first pipe coupling 100A and a second pipecoupling 100B are shown as positioned about various sections of a pipe14A, B, C. FIGS. 6 and 7 are provided for illustrative purposes and theyare meant in no way to imply that two different clamp embodiments 50, 30are to be used on the same pipe for repairing pipe couplings.

In FIG. 6, the first clamp 50 is constructed and arranged for repairingthe first pipe coupling 100A. The second clamp 30 is positioned about asecond coupling 100B. In FIG. 7, the second clamp 30 is constructed andarranged for repairing the first pipe coupling 100A and the first clamp50 is positioned about a second coupling 100B. The first clamp 50 ascompared to the second clamp 30 uses a smaller footprint than the secondclamp 30 allowing a user to operate in a tighter, more compact area. Thefirst clamp 50 also encompasses a larger surface area on the pipecoupling housings 104A, B, thereby operating in environments wheregreater fluid pressure occurs through the pipe 14.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are closeup perspective views of a clamp 250 secured to apipe coupling 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinventive concepts. The clamp 250 is similar to clamp 50 described withrespect to FIGS. 2 and 3, except that clamp units 210A, 210B of theclamp 250 each may include an indentation, or indented body portionregion 211, about a window 217. Coupling bolts 106 exposed by thewindows 117 in the body portions 213 of the first and second clamp units210A, 210B can be replaced. An indented body portion region 211 permitsincreased access to the bolt 106 extending through the window 217corresponding to the indented body portion region 211, in particular, aportion of the bolt 106 between the coupling flanges 107A, 107B of thefirst and second pipe coupling housings 104A, B, respectively. Forexample, a bolt cutter, saw, grinder, or other cutting device can begiven greater access to the bolt 106 for performing a cutting or relatedremoval operation.

In particular, the indented body portion region 211 can be of adifferent curvature than the rest of the body portion 213. For example,assuming the body portion 213 to be of general convex curvature orconfiguration, the indented body portion can be considered to be ofgeneral concave curvature or configuration. While the indented bodyportion region 211 illustrates a mechanism for providing increasedaccess to the bolt 106, other configurations are possible. For example,the window region 217 may optionally be configured as a region ofreduced convex curvature, relative to the curvature of the body portion,configured as a region of a curvature that is the same as the curvatureof the body portion, as shown in the embodiment FIG. 2, or configures asa region of indented curvature, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 8and 9.

In other embodiments, for example as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10,the window region 217 can be configured as a flat, or straight regionrelative to the curvature of the body portion.

In the illustration of FIG. 8, the pipe coupling 100 being repaired is acoupling that joins first pipe 114A of a first, narrower, diameter withsecond pipe 114B of a second, larger, diameter. Accordingly the pipecoupling 100 under repair further secures a pipe end cap 114C in theform of a fitting that allows for a transition is pipe size between thefirst pipe 114A and the second pipe 114B. Embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are applicable to servicing of pipe couplings thatjoin any of a number of different sizes and configurations of pipes andapparatus.

While embodiments are depicted herein as including two clamp units 10A,10B that interface at flanges 11A, 11B, embodiments that have more thantwo clamp units, for example, three, four, or more, clamp units, areequally applicable to the principles of the present inventive concepts.

In addition, while embodiments are depicted herein as including twoclamp units 10A, 10B that interface at two sets of flanges 11A, 11B,embodiments that have only a single flange 11A, 11B interface areequally applicable to the principles of the present inventive concepts.For example, one the flanges 11A, 11B can be replaced by a hinge or foldthat allows for pivot of the two clamp units 10A, 10B relative to eachother and about the pipe coupling to be repaired. For example, in theembodiment of FIG. 11, one of the flanges is replaced by a hinge 311that pivotably couples the first and second clamp units 10A, 10B. Insuch an embodiment, the hinge 311 is constructed and arranged to openthe clamp units 10A, 10B to a sufficient degree to receive the pipecoupling to be repaired, and is of sufficient strength to support theclamp 50 while the coupling 100 undergoes repair.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method of repairing a pipe coupling, inaccordance with the present inventive concepts. In some embodiments, amethod for repair of a pipe coupling can include identifying the pipecoupling to be repaired 302. A clamp unit is mounted about the pipecoupling, which pipe coupling is attached to a system that ispressurized 304. The clamp unit is secured about the pipe coupling 306so that the inner surface of the clamp unit engages the pipe coupling tobe repaired. As described herein, the pipe coupling can be repairedwhile the underlying system is “live” or pressurized 308. In someembodiments, such repair can comprise cutting the existing bolts andreplacing them with new bolts, while the system is pressurized 310.Following the repair, the clamp unit can be uncoupled and removed fromthe pipe coupling 312. The clamp unit can be optionally re-used forrepair of another pipe coupling 314. In various embodiments, forpurposes of the present disclosure, the term “pressurized system” mayinclude pipes and related fittings and pipe couplings through which apressurized fluid flows.

While the present inventive concepts have been particularly shown anddescribed above with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it willbe understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that variouschanges in form and detail can be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present inventive concepts described and defined by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamp for repairing a pipe coupling at a jointbetween a first pipe section and a second pipe section through whichfluid flows during the repair, the pipe coupling at the joint having afirst flange and a second flange, the clamp comprising: a first clampunit positioned about the joint between the first pipe section and thesecond pipe section, the first clamp unit comprising: a first end, thefirst end comprising: a first flange; and a first flange hole extendingthrough the first flange; a second end, the second end comprising; asecond flange; and a second flange hole extending through the secondflange; a first body portion extending between the first end and thesecond end; and one and only one first window in the first body portionhaving a region equidistant between the first flange and the secondflange and having a first width extending in a circumferential directionof the first body portion and a second width perpendicular to, and lessthan, the first width for receiving and exposing the first flange of thepipe coupling extending from an interior of the first clamp unit throughthe first window; a second clamp unit removably coupled to the firstclamp unit about the joint between the first pipe section and the secondpipe section, the second clamp unit comprising: a first end, the firstend comprising: a third flange; and a third flange hole extendingthrough the third flange, and aligned with the first flange hole of thefirst clamp unit; a second end, the second end comprising; a fourthflange; and a fourth flange hole extending through the fourth flange,and aligned with the second flange hole of the first clamp unit; asecond body portion extending between the first end and the second end;and one and only one second window in the second body portion having aregion equidistant between the third flange and the fourth flange andhaving a first width extending in a circumferential direction of thesecond body portion and a second width perpendicular to, and less than,the first width for exposing the second flange of the pipe couplingextending from an interior of the first clamp unit through the secondwindow, wherein the pipe coupling about which the clamp is positionedhas an outer surface having an outer diameter that is greater than anouter diameter of the first and second pipe sections, and wherein thefirst clamp unit and the second clamp unit have an inner surface of aninner diameter dimensioned for positioning about the pipe coupling sothat the inner surfaces of the first and second clamp units directlyabut the pipe coupling surface having the outer diameter; and a couplingconstructed and arranged to extend through at least one of the alignedfirst and third flange holes or the aligned second and fourth flangeholes for securing each of the pipe coupling first flange at the firstwindow and the pipe coupling second flange at the second window.
 2. Theclamp of claim 1, wherein the coupling includes a bolt that extendsthrough the at least one of the aligned first and third flange holes orthe aligned second and fourth flange holes and a threaded nut incommunication with the bolt.
 3. The clamp of claim 2, wherein a forcecreated by the threaded nut about the bolt causes the first ends of thefirst and second clamp units, respectively, to move axially toward eachother, which in turn causes the first and second clamp units to tightenaround the pipe coupling.
 4. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the bodyportion of each of the first and second clamp units has an arc shape sothat a combination of the first and second clamp units coupled to eachother is ring shaped.
 5. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond clamp units apply a force directly on the pipe coupling thatcounteracts a force caused by fluid pressure at the pipe sections. 6.The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first and second clamp unit flanges atthe first ends of the first and second clamp units are coupled togetherat a first position of the clamp, wherein the first and second clampunit flanges at the second ends of the first and second clamp units arecoupled together at a second position of the clamp opposite the firstposition, and wherein the first window of the first clamp unit is at athird position between the first and second positions, and the secondwindow of the second clamp unit is at a fourth position opposite thethird position, and between the first and second positions.
 7. The clampof claim 1, wherein the flanges are oriented normal to a curvature ofthe first and second clamp units, respectively, so as to face eachother.
 8. The clamp of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first orsecond clamp units includes an indentation about at least one of thefirst or second window.
 9. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first orsecond window includes an area for repair between the first and secondwidth, at which a replacement of a bolt of the pipe coupling isperformed, the bolt extending from the area for repair of the first orsecond window.
 10. A clamp for repairing a pipe coupling at a jointbetween a first pipe section and a second pipe section through whichfluid flows during the repair, the pipe coupling having a first flangeand a second flange, the clamp comprising: a first plate for positioningon one side of the pipe coupling and the first and second pipe sections;a second plate separate from the first plate when positioned on anopposite side of the pipe coupling and the first and second pipesections as the first plate and the first and second pipe sections,respectively; the first plate and the second plate having outermost edgesurfaces that are separate from each other by a distance at least awidth of the pipe coupling; a window at a working region of separationbetween the first plate and the second plate for exposing and accessingthe first and second flanges of the pipe coupling; a first couplerholder having a surface that is perpendicular to a surface of the firstplate, and extending from an outermost surface of the first plate in adirection toward the second plate and abutting each of the first andsecond pipe sections; a second coupler holder having a surface that isperpendicular to a surface of the second plate, and extending from anoutermost surface of the second plate in a direction toward the firstplate, and abutting each of the first and second pipe sections, whereinthe pipe coupling has an outer surface having an outer diameter that isgreater than an outer diameter of the first and second pipe sections,and wherein the first coupler holder and the second coupler holder havean inner surface of an inner diameter dimensioned for positioning onabout the pipe coupling so that the inner surfaces of the first couplerholder and the second coupler holder directly abut the pipe couplingsurface having the outer diameter; and at least four bolts extendingbetween the first and second plates in a direction of extension that isperpendicular to the direction of the extension of the first and secondpipe sections.
 11. The clamp of claim 10, wherein the first and secondcoupler holders are each constructed and arranged for conforming with asurface of the first and second pipe sections.
 12. The clamp of claim10, wherein a bolt of the at least four bolts extends through holes inthe first plate and holes in the second plate aligned with the holes inthe first plate, and wherein the clamp further includes a threaded nutfor each bolt, wherein the bolts and nuts provide a force that moves thefirst and second plates toward each other and toward the pipe couplingso that the first plate directly abuts, and applies a force to, thefirst side of the pipe coupling and so that the second plate directlyabuts, and applies a force to, the second of the pipe coupling.
 13. Theclamp of claim 12, wherein a force created by the threaded nut about thebolt causes the first and second plates to tighten around the pipecoupling and for the first and second coupler holders to tighten aboutthe first and second pipe sections.
 14. The clamp of claim 10, whereinthe first and second plates apply a force directly on the pipe couplingthat counteracts a force caused by fluid pressure at the first andsecond pipe sections.
 15. A clamp for repair of a pipe coupling at ajoint between a first pipe section and a second pipe section throughwhich fluid flows during the repair, the pipe coupling having a firstflange and a second flange, comprising: a clamp unit positioned aboutthe joint between the first pipe section and the second pipe section,the clamp unit including a side wall with an inner surface, the innersurface having a curvature dimensioned to match an outer curvature of apipe coupling to be repaired; a coupling on the clamp unit constructedand arranged to couple a first portion of the clamp unit with a secondportion of the clamp unit wherein the coupling, when secured, operatesto induce a radially inward force on the inner surface of the clampunit; a window comprising an opening in the side wall of the clamp unit,the opening equidistant between the first flange and the second flange,the window dimensioned to expose a flange of a pipe coupling to berepaired that protrudes through the window, wherein the pipe couplinghas a surface having an outer diameter that is greater than an outerdiameter of the first and second pipe sections and the pipe coupling,and wherein the curvature of the inner surface of the side wall of theclamp unit is dimensioned for positioning about the pipe couplingbetween the first and second pipe sections so that the inner surfacedirectly abuts the pipe coupling surface having the outer diameter. 16.The clamp of claim 15 wherein portions of the inner surface of the sidewall are substantially cylindrical.
 17. The clamp of claim 16 whereinthe coupling comprises at least one flange outwardly extending from thecylindrical side wall in a direction normal to the inner surface. 18.The clamp of claim 17 wherein the at least one flange comprises anopening constructed and arranged to receive a bolt and wherein thecoupling comprises a mating nut and bolt.
 19. The clamp of claim 18wherein the bolt, when coupling the clamp unit is positioned in adirection tangential to the cylindrical side wall and perpendicular to,and offset from, a center axis of the cylindrical side wall.
 20. Theclamp of claim 17 wherein the at least one flange comprises first andsecond opposed flanges and wherein the clamp unit comprises first andsecond side wall portions.
 21. The clamp of claim 15 wherein a radius ofcurvature of the portions of the inner surface of the side wall are sameas that of the inner surface of the window.
 22. The clamp of claim 15wherein a radius of curvature of the portions of the inner surface ofthe side wall are different that of the inner surface of the window. 23.The clamp of claim 22 wherein the inner surface of the side wall in aregion of the window is flat.
 24. The clamp of claim 22 wherein theinner surface of the side wall in a region of the window is indented.25. The clamp of claim 15 wherein the radially inward force induced bythe coupling is sufficient to secure a pipe coupling to be repairedduring its repair.